The Derby

This is an amazing neighbourhood bar even if you’re not from the neighbourhood. A group of us went here on a Saturday night for some food and drinks. Decent selection of beers and food comes out pretty quick. The applewood smoked wings are definitely a must try, and so are the nachos. The wait staff is pretty friendly attentive and took care of all 14 of us. The place is inviting enough, it’s not a hipster joint, nor is it a hole-​in-​the-​wall. Nicely lit, and TV screens around the place to watch sports.
The bar is just outside of the chaos that is Queen/​Ossington/​Davenport area of bars and clubs. So plenty of areas to find parking and definitely less chaotic.
Overall, I enjoyed this place. Attentive and friendly service, simple menu but done well, and a relaxed and chill ambiance.

So this place is interesting… Full disclosure — I came when there was a playoff hockey game on. If I actually cared about hockey, I could see this being a good local to watch the game. Given I don’t like hockey, I’ll just get to the important stuff…
On tap is a nicely curated list of beers with mostly craft options ringing in around $ 8 per pint. A couple Toronto faves like Boneshaker IPA and Mill Street’s 100^th Meridian Amber Lager, the standard more frequently found options like Beau’s Lug Tread, Steamwhistle, and Blanche de Chambly. And then a couple imports in Grolsch and London’s Pride Ale.
Foodwise, its a short menu mostly of sandwiches and pub food (chicken wings, ribs, nachos, etc). I went with the bbq pork ribs which were 3 seriously meaty ribs on a pile of fries and a couple carrots and celery. For $ 14, I was pleased as the meat was tender and the sauce was sweet and smokey, and the fries were pretty good accompaniments.
Word of warning for those paying with plastic — default tip is 18%. I’m not against tipping 18%, but making it the default for bar service is a bold suggestion.

nice neighbourhood sports bar! good menu, food was fresh (I had wings and a salad, partner had the burger which looked tasty). Really nice service, good selection of beers on tap, haven’t seen it totally packed yet so it’s fairly quiet and you can actually hear whatever game is on. good times!

Went in here the other day. Fairly small but plenty of large TVs for sports. They show hockey, soccer and football and probably other sports too if you ask.
Steam whistle, Grolsh and something else were on tap and they serve food.